Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL)

Sector: Consumer Staples|Industry: Household & Personal Products|Market Cap: $75.78B|Employees: 34K


Colgate-Palmolive is a global company focused on oral, personal, home care, and pet nutrition products. They are a leader in oral care, with brands like Colgate, and also hold strong positions in liquid hand soap and pet nutrition. The company's products are sold in over 200 countries through various retail channels and direct-to-consumer.

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  2. Company Profile

Business Summary

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global company focused on developing and selling science-led products that improve the health and well-being of people and their pets. The company operates in two main segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. Colgate holds a leading position in the toothpaste and manual toothbrush categories, as well as in liquid hand soap. The company's products are marketed in over 200 countries and territories worldwide. Colgate emphasizes sustainability, social impact, and diversity, equity, and inclusion across its operations. The company faces competition from multinational and local competitors, as well as private label brands.

Key Statistics

  • Employees: Approximately 34,000 (as of December 31, 2023)
  • Geographic Footprint: Over 100 countries
  • Headquarters: New York, New York
  • Founded: 1806
  • Incorporated: 1923
  • Number of locations/facilities: Approximately 320 properties worldwide
  • Revenue: $19.457 billion (FY2023)
  • Key Subsidiaries/Brands: Hill's Pet Nutrition, Colgate, Palmolive, Darlie, elmex, hello, meridol, Sorriso, Tom's of Maine, EltaMD, Filorga, Irish Spring, Lady Speed Stick, PCA SKIN, Protex, Sanex, Softsoap, Speed Stick, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Murphy, Soupline and Suavitel

Leadership

  • CEO: Noel R. Wallace (Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer)
  • CFO: Stanley J. Sutula III (Chief Financial Officer)
  • Chief Legal Officer and Secretary: Jennifer M. Daniels
  • Chief of Staff: John W. Kooyman
  • Group President, Growth and Strategy: Prabha Parameswaran
  • Group President, Europe and Developing Markets: Panagiotis Tsourapas
  • Chief Human Resources Officer: Sally Massey
  • Executive Vice President and Controller: Gregory O. Malcolm

Each of the executive officers listed above has served the Company or our subsidiaries in various executive capacities for the past five years with the exception of Stanley J. Sutula III, Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Sutula was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Pitney Bowes Inc., which he joined in 2017.

Key Financial Metrics

  • Annual Revenue: $19.457 billion (FY2023)
  • Net Income: $2.300 billion (FY2023)
  • Total Assets: Not explicitly stated in the provided text
  • Employees: Approximately 34,000 (as of December 31, 2023)
  • Key Financial Highlights: Worldwide Net sales were up 8.5% from 2022, driven by net selling price increases of 10.0%, partially offset by volume declines of 0.5% and negative foreign exchange of 1.0%. Organic sales increased 8.5% in 2023. Worldwide Gross profit increased 11% to $11.326 billion in 2023. Operating profit increased 38% to $3.984 billion in 2023.

Products and Services

Colgate-Palmolive offers a wide range of products across two main segments:

  • Oral, Personal and Home Care: Includes toothpastes, toothbrushes, mouthwashes, bar and liquid hand soaps, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and antiperspirants, skin health products, dishwashing detergents, fabric conditioners, household cleaners, and other similar items. Key brands include Colgate, Palmolive, Darlie, elmex, hello, meridol, Sorriso, Tom's of Maine, EltaMD, Filorga, Irish Spring, Lady Speed Stick, PCA SKIN, Protex, Sanex, Softsoap, Speed Stick, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Murphy, Soupline and Suavitel.
  • Pet Nutrition: Includes specialty pet nutrition products for dogs and cats marketed primarily under the Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet brands.

Sales of Oral, Personal and Home Care products accounted for 42%, 19% and 17%, respectively, of total worldwide Net sales in 2023. Sales of Pet Nutrition products accounted for 22% of total worldwide Net sales in 2023.

Key Business Segments

The company operates in two main segments:

  • Oral, Personal and Home Care: This segment includes products such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, soaps, shampoos, and household cleaners. Sales of Oral, Personal and Home Care products accounted for 42%, 19% and 17%, respectively, of total worldwide Net sales in 2023. Geographically, Oral Care is a substantial part of the business in Asia Pacific.
  • Pet Nutrition: This segment focuses on specialty pet nutrition products for dogs and cats, primarily marketed under the Hill's brand. Sales of Pet Nutrition products accounted for 22% of total worldwide Net sales in 2023.

Business Strategy

Colgate-Palmolive is focused on driving organic sales growth and long-term profitable growth through science-led innovation, pursuing higher-growth adjacent categories, expanding in faster-growing channels and markets, and delivering margin expansion through operating leverage and efficiency. The company is prioritizing investments in high-growth segments within Oral Care, Personal Care, and Pet Nutrition. It is also focused on leading in human capital development and maximizing the impact of sustainability and DE&I strategies. The company is strengthening capabilities in innovation, digital, AI, eCommerce, and data analytics. A key strategic initiative is the company's digital transformation. The company is also focused on continuous cost reduction and effective asset utilization through its funding-the-growth initiatives.

  • Key strategic initiatives: Focus on science-led innovation, expansion into adjacent categories, and growth in faster-growing channels and markets.
  • Growth drivers: Investments in high-growth segments, digital transformation, and leveraging data and analytics.
  • Investment priorities: Innovation, digital capabilities, and sustainability initiatives.

Industry Context

Colgate-Palmolive operates in the highly competitive global consumer goods marketplace. The company faces competition from multinational and local competitors, as well as private label brands. The retail landscape is evolving due to the growth of eCommerce and alternative retail channels. The company is also impacted by changing consumer preferences and purchasing patterns. The company faces competition in pricing, promotional activities, new product introductions, and expansion into new geographies and channels. The company's success depends on its ability to effectively leverage digital technologies and enforce its intellectual property rights.

  • Market Position: Leader in Oral Care with global leadership in toothpaste and manual toothbrush categories, and a leader in liquid hand soap.
  • Key Competitors: Multinational and local competitors, as well as private label brands.
  • Industry Trends: Increased retail trade concentration, growth of eCommerce, integration of traditional and digital operations at key retailers, and the growing presence of large-format retailers and discounters.

Risk Factors

  • Business and Industry Risks: Risks associated with significant international operations, including exposure to foreign currency fluctuations, changing macroeconomic conditions, political instability, environmental events, and changes in trade policies.
  • Competitive Risks: Intense competition in the industry, including from strong local competitors, multinational companies, and new entrants in the eCommerce space.
  • Operational Risks: Disruptions in the global supply chain and/or key office facilities due to geopolitical events, widespread health emergencies, strikes, logistics issues, and natural disasters.
  • Reputational Risks: Damage to the company's reputation due to negative publicity, counterfeit products, or loss of consumer confidence.
  • Cybersecurity Risks: Potential for cyberattacks, data breaches, or failures of key technology systems that could impact business operations and reputation.

Last Updated

2024-02-15

(Generated from latest 10-K filing)